The advantages of visual methods in exploring hidden subjectivities in post-compulsory education

ABSTRACT This article exemplifies the advantages that researchers have if they apply visual methods and in particular photo-elicitation to qualitative research. The research context is post-compulsory education with the field of study being a new vocational degree programme, and the theoretical content of the article draws on the work of Goffman, alongside theories of literacy as social practice. It is interesting that the policy documents that are framing new vocational degrees are texts written in particular ways and that in the UK these texts are informed by political and economic agendas. However, the texts that have given rise to new vocational degree programmes do not appear to necessarily align with the rich subjective practices which are occurring within this form of post-compulsory education. The research that is presented in this article from selected students and academics who are working on a particular vocational degree reveals profound interpretations of the purpose of new vocational degrees. The imaginative and creative images that are captured by the application of photo-elicitation to this study reveal a fascinating interplay between the policy texts and the subjective interpretations of the purpose of post-compulsory education.